(Kaieteur News) – Reliance Hustlers captured the 2026 North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) T20 title in convincing fashion on Sunday, defeating Affiance/No.1 by 48 runs in the final at the Joe Jagmohan Ground, Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Region Two.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Reliance Hustlers posted a formidable 183-5 from their allotted 20 overs before restricting Affiance/No.1 to 139-9 in reply to secure the championship.
Raj Gurdeen led the batting effort with a top score of 45, striking four boundaries, while opening batsman Mark Austin provided a steady contribution of 42 to lay the foundation for a competitive total.
Champion Reliance Hustlers
Narindra Madholall and Neiland Cadogan also played useful supporting roles, scoring 28 runs apiece as Reliance Hustlers maintained their momentum throughout the innings.
On a lively track, Affiance/No.1’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, although Amit Persaud delivered a notable performance, claiming 2-23 from his allotted four overs.
Chasing 184 for victory, Affiance/No.1 endured a disastrous start, slipping to 27-4 as the Reliance Hustlers bowling attack applied early pressure.
Captain Parmesh Parsotam was dismissed for a duck, while Latchman Rohit managed just one run, leaving their side in a difficult position with the chase already threatening to unravel.
Rajindra Ramballi offered some resistance with 28, while Yogesh Singh contributed 22, but neither could produce the substantial partnership required to revive the innings.
Affiance/No.1 eventually finished on 139-9 from their 20 overs, falling 48 runs short of the target as Reliance Hustlers celebrated a convincing victory.
Fast bowler Bernard Lewis was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3-25 from four overs to undermine the opposition’s chase.
Madholall complemented that effort with 2-25 from his four overs, capping an impressive all-round performance that earned him the Player-of-the-Match award at the post-match presentation.
For their championship triumph, Reliance Hustlers received $120,000 and a trophy, while runners-up Affiance/No.1 collected $60,000 and a trophy.
NECC president Stanley Persaud congratulated the victorious team and expressed appreciation to all 14 teams that participated in the competition.
He also commended his fellow executives for their work in delivering another successful tournament, which provided competitive cricket and opportunities for players across North Essequibo.
Source: Kaieteur News
